Wed Jul 16 16:30:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Israeli Airstrikes Rock Damascus, Sparking Regional Tensions**

**Damascus, Syria –** Tensions between Israel and Syria have reached a fever pitch after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a series of airstrikes targeting Syrian military installations in Damascus. The strikes, confirmed by the IDF, focused on key locations, including the entrance to the Syrian regime’s military headquarters, the Ministry of Defense, and the General Staff Command building. Videos circulating from the Syrian capital show the military complex engulfed in flames following the attacks.

Syrian health officials report that one civilian was killed and 18 others were injured in the strikes. The Syrian government has yet to officially respond, but previously denounced Israel’s actions in southern Syria as “criminal and illegal.”

The IDF stated that the strikes were in response to the ongoing offensive by Syrian government forces against the Druze minority in southern Syria’s Sweida region, which borders Israel’s Golan Heights. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning on social media, declaring, “The warnings in Damascus have ended – now painful blows will come.” He affirmed that the Israeli military would continue operating in Sweida to protect the Druze population.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Druze residents not to cross the border into Israel, assuring them that the IDF would act on their behalf. “Return to your homes and let the IDF take action,” he stated.

The United States has also weighed in on the escalating situation. Tom Barrack, the American special envoy to Syria, condemned the targeting of civilians in Sweida and called for a lasting ceasefire. “We unequivocally condemn the violence against civilians in Suwayda. Full stop. All parties must step back and engage in meaningful dialogue that leads to a lasting ceasefire. Perpetrators need to be held accountable,” Barrack said.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry shared images of the burned-down ‘Mar Michael’ church in northern Sweida province, attributing the violence to Islamist aggression targeting minorities in Syria.

The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation. The international community is closely monitoring developments as regional tensions continue to rise.

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